Print this page

Are building products a rip-off or good value?

  • font size decrease font size decrease font size increase font size increase font size

Are Kiwis being ripped off blind for building products or are we getting value for money in our country considering the nature of the New Zealand market? There are those who argue black and blue that one or the other statement is true.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford is so concerned about the costs of building materials he has promised an investigation.

"The Productivity Commission has estimated we pay between 20-30 per cent more for building materials in New Zealand than they do in Australia," says Twyford.

In the other camp, Building Industry Federation chief executive Bruce Kohn says the notion behind an investigation is "ridiculous nonsense".AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.

When maverick businessman and founder of 2Degrees Mobile, Tex Edwards renovated his Waiheke home, plasterboard cost $24 a sheet.

"Anywhere else in the world, plasterboard is as cheap as chips," he says.

Edwards, who spreads his time between New Zealand and London, paid £2.75 ($5.30) for the same quality of plasterboard for his London renovation . . . continued . . .